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In Order. Easy & Not So Easy

February 26, 2017

February 26, 2017. Numbers 7.

Were you overwhelmed by the length of today’s reading or the repetitiveness of the narration? There are many applications that could be made from this portion of Scripture, especially for good leadership, but for now, let your eyes fall on this verse and meditate on a simple, but life-changing thought:

7:42-47 The next day it was Eliasaph’s turn, son of Deuel, chief of the tribe of Gad. He, too, offered the same gifts and sacrifices.

Each leader of the tribe took his turn to bring gifts and sacrifices when the altar was completed. The final list of gifts, sacrifices, animals and wagons is quite impressive and was a necessary step for the journey to the Promised Land could continue.

What about those two ideas presented at the end of this verse? Gifts and sacrifices. Giving gifts is fun. Most people enjoy giving a gift, especially when they know it will bring a smile or joy to the receiver. Gifts are usually given out of the abundance of the giver. It is normally something that is relatively convenient to give.

But a sacrifice? Now that is a different category of living and giving altogether. The membership of this club drops drastically in comparison to gift-givers. To give a sacrifice not only addresses the intended use of the gift, but it also addresses the cost in giving that gift or offering.

Sacrificial givers and sacrificial gifts change the world. God did not love the world solely out of convenience. The gift of His Son Jesus Christ went beyond what was convenient or easy for Him to give – it was a sacrifice to give His Son as a living sacrifice for you. This sacrifice still changes lives and transforms people even today.

Ephesians 5:2

Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.

Bringing order to your life may require going beyond what is fun, convenient, and easy to give; it may require sacrifice as well. But with sacrifice comes tremendous change. Need a change? Try giving sacrificially and may it be pleasing to God and a sweet perfume to Him. Then watch Him lead your next step through the wilderness and into His promises.